Javier Gonzales, a former state Democratic Party chairman and a candidate for mayor of Santa Fe, has come out in a blog post he wrote about growing up gay and the struggle to accept his sexual orientation.
Gonzales’ essay was posted Wednesday on FamiliaEsFamilia, a website for LGBT Latinos. He wrote:
You see, when you come from a traditional family with deep roots in this community, the process of accepting that you are gay is complicated with fears about disappointing those you love, or becoming disconnected with a sense of place that is as much a part of me as my sexuality.
The Santa Fe New Mexican reports that reaction to Gonzales’ coming out has been well received by followers on social media.
“Based on the reaction today, it reflects the beauty of our families in Northern New Mexico to accept our sons and daughters for who they are,” Gonzales said, adding that it’s shown him “it is important for people to step out and to stand up and be proud of who they are and to be able to share it with their community.”
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Along with City Councilor Patti Bushee, Gonzales is one of two openly gay candidates running for mayor of Santa Fe.
Dakotahgeo
Yet ANOTHER great example of out and proud great citizens of our great country! (And you thought we were allll in the closet… ROFLMBO!! Best wishes on your gubernatorial race, Mr. Gonzalez!!!
yaoming
Is everybody gay?
twoguysbrooklyn
Doesn’t hurt that he’s easy on the eyes, either.
JDJase
@yaoming: you better be quoting Joan Cusack!
yaoming
@JDJase: I am. It’s the first thing I thought of when I read that two of the candidates are gay.
BJ McFrisky
Makes me want to move to Santa Fe.
Dakotahgeo
@yaoming: Well, we marvelous GLBT people TRIED to warn you that the percentage was 9-10% of the population, but would y’all listen??? NOOOOOOOO!!! So now you learn the hard way! Pity!
Dakotahgeo
@twoguysbrooklyn: 😉
JDJase
@BJ McFrisky: I love Santa Fe. If I ever had the desire to move to a small city, Santa Fe would absolutely be my first choice.
Gordon
@twoguysbrooklyn: You’ve got that right! Woof!
Geoff B
I’m only commenting here because my partner doesn’t come on this site, but if I were single…..Yowza!
Scribe38
@Geoff B: yeah I’m going to tell just cause I can
Edwin Baca
Santa Fe has a large gay population it’s about time they have a gay mayor.
Kangol
Good for him and better for Santa Fe!
rand503
Santa Fe is a small artsy town filled with history. When I visited there in the early 90s, I was suprised to see a coffee bar in the heart of the old town that sold porn mags, and several of them were VERY obviously gay. Another boutique was selling greeting cards with an obvious gay theme. It was somewhat elating to see it so out in the open in the middle of the touristy area, and everyone seemed nonchalant about it all.
It’s a great place to visit and has a terrific opera company, so I’m not surprised to hear its residents are okay with the gay.
TreGaySantaFe
Public reaction and an electric positive feel already permeating the social media realm. Javier’s team ahead of the social media curve here in Santa Fe. This is huge. @dakotahgeo..he is he not running for Governor. Yet. A man to look out for.
Dakotahgeo
@TreGaySantaFe: Thanks! I couldn’t be happier for Santa Fe or New Mexico! Cheers!